The Ford, plate 1 from Four Landscapes c. 1649s

"The Ford," a 17th-century etching by Cornelis Visscher, is the first plate from a series titled "Four Landscapes." Created in the 1640s, it depicts a scene of rural life, with figures crossing a shallow ford with their animals. The composition is balanced, with the figures grouped on the left and a ruined tower on the right, connected by a path leading up the hillside. The scene is rendered with great detail, showcasing Visscher's mastery of etching and his ability to capture the light and atmosphere of a landscape. The Art Institute of Chicago holds this print, measuring 267 × 213 mm.